Automobile Alley
2020 HYUNDAI SONATA ‘ ’ is eye candy at a reasonable price SOPHISTICATED EXECUTION, striking design (both inside and out) and a class far above the competition. This helps to describe the redone “third generation” 2020 Hyundai Sonata. With a base starting price at $23,400 (before the $950 destination charges and options), this rolling form of head-turning “eye candy” quite honestly proves to also be a good value. To expand a bit further, it’s only increases $750 more than the previous outgoing 2019 version however, the ‘20 model has additional standard content. The vehicle’s coupe-like outside lines make it one of the most stylish four-door models on the road today. This is all coupled with classleading front head and leg room. Exterior body panels show perfectly-aligned gaps and seams as the fit and finish, including the paint, is on par with luxury makes and models in the high end luxury category. The vehicle’s modern outside timeless body design element is nothing short of compelling. A chrome line flows from the top of the front fenders and returns to the headlamp area by running down the length of the hood. This chrome strip features graduated daytime running lights embedded with hidden stateof-the-art lighting technology thus, forming Sonata’s light architecture. The hidden LED’s appear to be chrome when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned on. This meaningful layout will likely be the bench14 | CROSSROADS | JUNE 2020
mark for other car companies to use as a base line for future car designs. Sonata is offered in four trim levels; SE, SEL, SEL Plus and Limited. A hybrid version is also featured. The interior is relaxing and inviting, back seat leg room is more than adequate. The dash assembly is uncluttered. It’s easy to navigate without having to spend hours being focused on the owner’s manual. Available is their unique/reconfigurable dash cluster. With the panoramic sun roof, the vehicle’s large green house gives the welcomed impression of openness. Trunk space is exceptional with this mid-size automobile. If you’re enticed to electronic gadgetry, look no further! Sonata’s digital key allows the vehicle to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key, all via a smartphone. Additionally, Sonata offers a high-speed wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling fan. Two engines available - standard is their 2.5-liter four cylinder and depending on the trim level, they offer a 1.6-liter turbo that operates on regular grade fuel. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. EPA numbers show 28-MPG city/38-highway for the 2.5-liter, 27-MPG city/36-highway for the turbo. Their innovative vehicle platform delivers increased strength, reduced weight, driving performance and improvements in safety. And speaking of safety, this sedan has cutting
edge breakthroughs that place it among one of the best in its category. This is further supported with its confident crash test findings. Steering and breaking is impressive, helping to give the driver an elevated level of fortitude. At road-test, the 2020 Sonata Limited I drove had an MSRP of $34,365. The base warranty is for 5-years/60,000 miles, powertrain warranty is for 10-years/100,000 miles. In the U.S., Hyundai Motors is supported with their 830 U.S. dealership network.
